The best aquariums in the US capture the magic of the life aquatic for all ages. From the small but mighty seahorse to the aptly named and gently giant whale shark, the world beneath the waves housed across our patchwork country welcomes all walks of life that swim, no matter their scale (or how they wear their scales). Bring the kids face to face with the top billing at Georgia Aquarium’s sea lion presentation, ooh and aah at the towering kelp forest at Monterey Bay, and if My Octopus Teacher left you misty eyed and fascinated, drop by the Oregon Coast Aquarium where you can meet their Giant Pacific octopuses for yourself.
Aquariums are where the natural beauty of our planet shakes hands with the wonders of looking to outer space, and the finest of among them bring to mind the same boundless joy of field trip days past. And with their vital role in leading marine and freshwater conservation movements, aquariums make the important learning fun. Below, just keep swimming—but don’t worry about breaking out that wetsuit—and find our selection of the best aquariums in the US.